Laimayum Basanta Sharma, spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, has called for safeguarding constitutional dignity while cautioning against the growing misuse of freedom of speech in the country.
In a statement, Basanta Sharma said that while Bharat guarantees freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), including public order, decency, morality, and defamation. He referred to landmark Supreme Court judgments such as Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras and Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, which clarified the limits of free speech, stating that content inciting violence, hatred, or undermining institutional integrity falls outside constitutional protection.
Basanta Sharma alleged that a disturbing trend has emerged in recent times, where individuals circulate unverified and defamatory content, including doctored videos and social media rumours, targeting constitutional authorities such as Chief Ministers. He stated that such acts violate provisions relating to defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with relevant provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Expressing concern over the impact on society, Basanta Sharma said that in a sensitive state like Manipur, the spread of false and inflammatory narratives could deepen existing divisions and disrupt communal harmony. He noted that such practices divert public attention from development issues and contribute to growing polarization.
Highlighting the broader implications, Basanta Sharma pointed out that the increasing circulation of toxic and sensational content, particularly on digital platforms, may adversely influence the younger generation by normalizing misinformation and discouraging constructive civic engagement.
He further stated that the performance of elected leaders, including Chief Ministers, should be assessed based on governance indicators such as policy implementation, fiscal management, law enforcement, and social welfare outcomes, rather than personal attacks. Citing constitutional provisions on collective responsibility under Article 164, he stressed the need for issue-based public discourse.
Calling for accountability, Basanta Sharma urged authorities to take legal action against those involved in spreading defamatory and destabilizing content. He also called on digital platforms to strengthen content regulation mechanisms and appealed to citizens to engage responsibly in democratic processes.
Basanta Sharma maintained that preserving the integrity of constitutional institutions is vital for ensuring stability and strengthening democracy in the country.